Netanyahu's UN Address Sparks Mass Walkouts and NYC Protests
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly on September 24, 2026, after dozens of delegates walked out in protest. He condemned the walkouts as acts of moral cowardice and clashed verbally with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who had previously called for his arrest. Outside the UN headquarters, approximately 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators, including local politicians, were arrested by the NYPD. Netanyahu defended Israel's military actions in Gaza and Iran, while critics and Mamdani accused him of committing genocide and war crimes.
Key points
- Netanyahu delivered his speech after dozens of UN delegates walked out of the chamber, which he described as an act of 'moral cowardice'.
- Approximately 100 pro-Palestinian protesters, including NYC Council members and a congressional nominee, were arrested outside the UN headquarters by the NYPD's Strategic Response Group.
- Netanyahu directly addressed NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of antisemitism and claiming that Jews no longer feel safe in New York since Mamdani took office.
- Mamdani, who had previously called for Netanyahu's arrest based on an ICC warrant, responded by calling Netanyahu's claims 'baseless lies' and reiterating that Netanyahu remains subject to an ICC arrest warrant.
- Netanyahu defended Israel's military operations, including strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, and thanked President Trump for his support, while critics highlighted the high death toll in Gaza.
Background
This event follows a week of escalating tensions between Netanyahu and Mamdani, who had publicly debated the legality of arresting Netanyahu based on an ICC warrant. The UN address is Netanyahu's 15th to the General Assembly, occurring amid ongoing international condemnation of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in over 73,920 deaths according to the territory's health ministry.
How outlets are covering it
BBC and Fox News emphasized the mass walkout of delegates and Netanyahu's defiant response, labeling the protesters 'moral cowards.' Politico and CBS News focused on the local NYC dimension, detailing the arrests of Mamdani's allies and the mayor's decision to skip the protests to focus on public safety. Fox News highlighted Netanyahu's defense of US-Iran military cooperation, while CBS and Politico centered the exchange on the ICC warrant and accusations of genocide.
Why it matters
The event underscores the deepening global polarization over the Israel-Gaza conflict, with the UN General Assembly serving as a stage for direct confrontation between international leaders and local political figures. The arrests and verbal clashes highlight the escalating tensions in New York City and the broader international community regarding Israel's military actions and the ICC's jurisdiction.
What to watch
The fallout from the speech and protests may influence ongoing diplomatic discussions at the UN General Assembly and local political dynamics in New York City. The ICC warrant against Netanyahu remains a central point of contention, with Mamdani's administration acknowledging legal limitations but maintaining its stance on the issue.
- Watch: UN delegates walk out of Netanyahu speech BBC
- Live Updates: Netanyahu Addresses U.N. General Assembly in High-Stakes Speech The New York Times
- NYPD unit arrests anti-Bibi, pro-Zohran protests outside U.N. Politico
- Netanyahu says "shame on you" to Mamdani, claims "Jews no longer feel safe in New York" CBS News
- WATCH: Mass walkout before Netanyahu speech prompts fiery response from Israeli prime minister Fox News
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on BBC